In a turn of events that could only be described as both dramatic and disturbing, Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra found himself in the spotlight—not for his political astuteness, but for comments that have raised eyebrows and ire across the nation. Speaking at a Pheu Thai campaign rally in Chiang Rai, Thaksin made statements that have been widely condemned as racist, leading to calls for a public apology.
The rally, intended to bolster support for Pheu Thai candidate Salakjit Tiyapairat in the Chiang Rai provincial administration organization (PAO) elections, turned controversial when Thaksin veered into a questionable commentary about models from Africa. In an unfortunate attempt to highlight what he perceived as the natural beauty of Thais, he said, “African people, who have black skin and flat noses that make it difficult to breathe, are hired for millions of baht to be models. Thai people look much better. There’s no need for [our people to get] nose, jaw, or breast augmentation.”
This segment of his speech was met with immediate backlash, with many accusing Thaksin of racially insensitive remarks. Among those demanding accountability was Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, who insisted that such comments violate both Thailand’s constitution and international norms. Angkhana, a former member of the National Human Rights Commission, urged Thaksin and his family, notably his daughter and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to address this serious issue head-on. “Discrimination based on skin color is unacceptable,” she stated. “Thaksin needs to apologize, and the prime minister must not allow this to happen again, especially since Thailand seeks greater involvement in the United Nations Human Rights Council.”
Despite the mounting controversy, the Pheu Thai candidates remain eager to leverage Thaksin’s influence in their electoral campaigns. His upcoming itinerary reads like a political thriller: he is slated to appear in Nong Khai on January 19th to support a PAO election candidate, before heading to Si Sat Ket on January 24th at the request of candidate Wiwatchai Hotrawaisaya, who hopes to emulate the campaign success seen in Chiang Rai.
Furthermore, Pheu Thai insiders reveal that Thaksin will be actively campaigning across 16 provinces prior to the PAO chief elections on February 1st. This includes a strategic return to Lampang on January 12th, a province where Pheu Thai hopes to reclaim its former dominance after losing ground to the People’s Party in the 2023 election.
Thaksin’s influence is also being summoned to counter the Bhumjaithai Party’s strongholds, particularly in Bueng Kan, where a heated race is anticipated. Here, Thaksin will lend his campaign skills to support Bhumphan Boonmatun in opposition to Wanfa Thongsri, who carries significant political clout as the wife of Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri.
The unfolding drama around Thaksin’s remarks comes at a pivotal moment for Thailand, as it seeks to balance domestic political interests with its commitments to human rights on the international stage. The outcome not only affects the electoral prospects of Pheu Thai but also tests the country’s resolve in addressing sensitive issues of race and equality.
As events continue to unravel, all eyes remain on Thaksin, whose next moves could either ameliorate the situation or plunge it further into contention. One thing is clear: this is one political saga that promises intrigue, controversy, and calls for change—all in equal measure.
I can’t believe Thaksin would say something so blatantly racist in this day and age! His comments are not only offensive but also damaging to Thailand’s reputation on the world stage.
Honestly, Joe, are we really surprised? Thaksin has always been a divisive figure. It’s just shocking how he could be so careless.
That’s true, Samantha. I suppose I’m just frustrated that these kinds of statements are still being made by people in power.
It’s almost like he thinks he’s untouchable. Politicians need to realize their words have real-world consequences.
I’m not sure why anyone is giving him a platform at all. Isn’t his political career basically over?
These kinds of comments should be an automatic disqualifier from public life. Thaksin should apologize immediately.
An apology might not be enough. His remarks run the risk of inciting racial hatred, which is dangerous.
He should definitely face consequences, but let’s not pretend that a simple apology will undo the damage.
People make mistakes, but this isn’t a slip of the tongue—it’s a mindset. If he truly values his country, he’ll address the situation properly.
Exactly, showing true remorse and understanding of why his words were wrong is the only acceptable path forward.
@Larry Davis, hopefully he listens to others in Pheu Thai urging him to step up.
I’m just tired of politicians making idiotic statements and expecting people to just shrug it off. It perpetuates a culture of ignorance.
Right? It’s not just about the politics, it’s about basic human decency.
Thaksin has always faced criticism, but now it seems he has crossed a new line. Whether he can recover depends on how he handles the fallout.
I doubt anything will happen to Thaksin. He’s managed to bounce back from every controversy before. How is this any different?
But public sentiment is shifting, and these racist remarks might stick longer than he expects.
@thinker77, you might be right, but the international pressure could be much stronger this time.
Public figures need to be held to higher standards. We can’t keep giving free passes to those who represent us.
The Pheu Thai party should distance themselves from Thaksin if they want any credibility in the upcoming elections.
Can we talk about how silence from the prime minister on this matter is also troubling? What kind of message does that send?
The prime minister’s lack of response is telling. It’s almost like they’re waiting for this to blow over without doing anything.
Why is no one talking about this from a human rights perspective? Thailand is at a crossroads and needs to decide who it wants to be.
Right on, Pete! Negotiating international relations means taking human rights seriously, not just when convenient.
It’s sad that in 2025 we still see such uneducated remarks coming from influential leaders.
Yeah, and it only encourages others to think it’s okay to speak this way.
Thailand’s political drama is always intense, but this time it involves an ethical breach that needs immediate addressing.
I hope this becomes a learning moment for politicians worldwide—words matter.
What are the people in his party saying? Are they going to keep backing him despite his toxic rhetoric?
So many are quick to chastise him, but how many would say the same things privately? Need more education on why it’s wrong.
It’s disappointing to see leaders using racist language in 2025. Hopefully, the backlash leads to positive change.
Politicians should face policy repercussions for promoting hate. It’s not just ‘freedom of speech’.